Tag: 3BL

No country can make every medicine people need, and no medicine is made in every country. If a country or region relies on supply only from within their region and they experience a crisis, there is a risk people won’t get the medicines they need, when they need them. A secure supply of medicines from multiple regions and countries around the world is more reliable and at less risk of being disrupted. Global, diverse and flexible supply chains are key to timely and affordable access to medicine.

As an essential business, Viatris has taken actions to maintain a reliable supply of medicines, with special measures around critical medicines in times of volatile demand. Our ability to supply medicines and maintain high levels of service around the world is rooted in our global network of suppliers with a robust ability to manage shocks affecting any particular country or region. Our network allows us to offset risk and build resilience. In 2023, we were able to maintain a global customer service level of 90% amid volatility in demand, inflation and supply chain disruptions in general. Recently, we have experienced surges in demand, in part due to other pharmaceutical companies being out of stock, so we are increasing the frequency that we refresh our safety stock settings so that we can be more flexible to meet unmet needs.

Viatris has Supply Chain colleagues in more than 55 countries around the world, responsible for monitoring demand and supply daily. They look out over a 24-month horizon to preempt and circumvent supply gaps, collaborating with markets and manufacturing plants on cross-functional action plans.

Learn more about our global and local supply network here.

In 2023, our global customer service level was 90%. 

Our customer service level metric is on-time in-full (OTIF) delivery to our customers. On-time is customer specific and measured against customer agreements. In-full is 100% of volume ordered. It is important to Viatris to measure service from our customers’ perspective.

We have invested in facilities around the world, including in lower- and middle-income countries (LMICs), to bolster our global supply chain network and support local capacity building and economic development in communities. These local facilities make up our strong global network, which is our best tool for maximizing product availability to countries across all income bands, as evidenced by our track record for reliable supply.

In Vietnam, for example, we’ve worked in collaboration with the government to enhance local production capacity as part of supporting the global supply of medicines and also supporting economic resilience in the country. Our project, one of the first innovative drug production technology transfer projects in Vietnam, started in 2015, and was approved by the Ministry of Science and Technology in 2019 for Amlor tablet (Norvasc); Lipitor 10mg, 20mg, 40mg; and Celebrex 200mg.

In India, Viatris manufactures infectious disease medicines used in programs across LMICs. To supplement this network, Viatris has invested in building a packaging and distribution facility in Zambia, which achieved WHO Prequalification of Medicines (WHO PQ) accreditation in March 2023. Finished medicines are shipped from our facilities in India to the Zambia facility for final packaging and release. The value-add of packaging in Zambia is not necessarily to improve availability in its absolute vicinity, as our existing global network continues to provide high levels of product delivery, but to help develop local capacity and experience with quality-assured production.

Goal: Provide ARV therapy equivalent to a total of 30 million patients, including more than 2 million children living with HIV/AIDS, between 2022 and the end of 2025.*

Our Progress: In 2023, we provided treatments for approximately 8.6 million patients, including more than 670,000 children living with HIV/AIDS. Since 2022, we have provided treatments for nearly 17 million adults and children.

View the full 2023 Sustainability Report.

1 The number of patients served is an estimate calculated using internal sales data (global volume of doses sold in 2023 in all markets as aligned with IQVIA standard units), divided by estimated per patient usage, which is based on treatment dose, treatment duration, and treatment adherence as estimated by Viatris Medical Affairs based on approved label indication and instructions for use, current international guideline recommendations, and common usage in clinical practice. Patients using multiple Viatris medicines may be counted as multiple patients. Certain adjustments were applied in consideration of pending and completed divestitures and to account for acceptable alternatives to the patient usage factors noted above, and rounded to the nearest hundred million. Estimates may be subject to reassessment.

*Our ability to make progress on our goals depends on several factors, some of which are outside of our control.

Covia is pleased to announce the recipients of the Aspire Scholarship, which aims to assist dependents of Covia employees in pursuing their higher education goals. This scholarship program, in collaboration with CollegeNow and the Cleveland Foundation, has selected five deserving individuals to receive financial support for their academic endeavors. Each student will be awarded funding to help alleviate the burden of tuition expenses for the upcoming fall semester.

Covia created the scholarship program in 2013 and has granted close to 30 scholarships to dependents of Covia employees in order to support their post-secondary education. We would like to extend our congratulations to the 2024 Aspire Scholarship awardees: Maxwell Etienne, Gracie Cappelle, Savannah Moore, Gracen Pitts, and Noah Foster.

“We are pleased to announce the selection of these remarkable students for the 2024 Aspire Scholarship,” said Brian Richardson, EVP, Chief Administrative Officer. “Covia has a rich history of providing opportunities for youth, and we see this as another way to support young people in their educational pursuits.”

The scholarship program is in line with Covia’s commitment to social responsibility and serves as a fundamental element in developing a pipeline of future talent in our workforce. Find out more about Covia’s extensive community involvement and charitable efforts.

STAMFORD, Conn., July 23, 2024 /3BL/ – Oscar winner Matt Damon narrates In the Company of Heroes, a 22-minute feature honoring the American men and women who risked and sacrificed their lives 80 years ago today — June 6, 1944 — during World War II’s Normandy landings on D-Day. 

Watch a Preview of ‘In the Company of Heroes’

The feature, produced by David Picker and Ron Vaccaro, is set to premiere later this summer during NBCUniversal’s coverage of the Olympic Games Paris 2024. Click here to watch a four-minute preview.

The piece documents surviving veterans of D-Day and World War II at large and their 2023 return to the beaches of Normandy, where they reminisce on the unprecedented operation and are celebrated by the local French citizens of the seaside region. Known as the operation that began the liberation of France and, ultimately, laid the groundwork for the demise of the Axis powers, D-Day is, arguably, one of the most pivotal days in 20th century global history. In these 22 minutes, viewers get access to the soldiers who were on the frontlines of this historic day – and how 80 years later, their heroic actions are still felt around the world and particularly in northern France.

“The story of the young American men and women who served so valiantly alongside the other Allied Forces 80 years ago is one that should never be lost to time and history,” said Ron Vaccaro, VP, Editorial at NBC Sports. “Thankfully, the special connections formed then – and now – between the American vets and the French people in towns throughout the Normandy region will ensure that the shared sacrifices that changed the course of world history will endure for generations to come.”

Former NFL player Donnie Edwards, a two-time All-Pro linebacker who played 13 seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs and San Diego Chargers, and his charity, the Best Defense Foundation, feature prominently within the piece. Edwards is seen organizing the trip to Normandy for the veterans and, in an exclusive interview, details his passion for military philanthropy and the importance of honoring and helping those who have served, long after their days of active duty are over.

The four-minute preview clip of In the Company of Heroes will air during the U.S. Olympic Team Trials special this Saturday, June 8, at 2 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock. The full 22-minute feature will premiere during NBCU’s coverage of the Paris Olympic Games, with the exact timing to be announced at a later date.

Delta Air Lines is the presenting sponsor of this feature and provided transportation from Atlanta to Normandy’s Deauville Airport.

Following are some brief excerpts from In the Company of Heroes:

Edwards on creating the Best Defense Foundation: “After I retired, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. My passion was giving back to all those who served…making sure they’re taken care of. This is my cause. This is my purpose.”

U.S. Army Nurse veteran Betty Huffman-Rosevear (103 years old) on revisiting the Normandy region in 2023: “Going to the (French) schools with the children, they knew who we were. They were smiling and waving at us. It’s just like nothing I’ve ever seen.”

U.S. Army veteran Andy Negra (100 years old) on French villagers’ reaction after landing in Normandy in 2023: “The people were greeting us like you wouldn’t believe. Waving our flags, waving the French flags, wanting to shake our hands. I felt honored.”

In Paris this summer, the world’s greatest athletes will compete against the backdrop of one of the most beautiful cities in the world where the modern Olympic Games were conceived 130 years ago. This will be the third time Paris has hosted the Olympics (1900 and 1924), tying London for the most as a Summer Games host. Los Angeles (1932, 1984) will tie those two cities when it hosts the first Summer Games in the U.S. in 32 years in 2028.

The Paris organizers are reimagining the Games to make them more accessible to the public and to showcase their city to the world. In a first, competitions will be held amidst iconic Parisian landmarks – beach volleyball at the Eiffel Tower, equestrian at the Palace of Versailles, and urban sports at Place de la Concorde. The surfing competition will take place nearly 10,000 miles from Paris in Tahiti, a part of French Polynesia.

The NBC broadcast network and streaming service Peacock will be the company’s primary platforms for its coverage of the Olympic Games Paris 2024, scheduled for July 26-Aug. 11, 2024. Click here for more linear programming information and here for more about the Olympic experience on Peacock.

NBCUniversal owns the U.S. media rights to the Olympic Games through 2032, which are scheduled for Paris (2024), Milan Cortina (2026), Los Angeles (2028) and Brisbane (2032). The host city for the 2030 Olympic Winter Games has not yet been chosen.

Originally published by Jazz Pharmaceuticals

In celebration of Pride Month, we were joined by Celia Sandhya Daniels (she/they) who led an insightful discussion aimed at educating, raising awareness and calling for understanding and allyship by shedding light on her lived experiences and the challenges she’s faced as a trans woman living in India and the U.S. 

We believe in creating a welcoming and inclusive society for all members of the LGBTQ+ community, and we appreciate Celia’s courage in sharing her personal journey and highlighting the importance of transformative allyship.

Join us on the latest episode of AudioTalks as we dive into the exciting world of JBL Land on Roblox! Our special guests include:

Tonya Filonenko, Social Media Manager for JBL Land and the Roblox Lead at Harman InternationalTim van der Wiel, Founder at @GoSpookyAnnabelle aka Robuilds, a famous Roblox influencer with over 21 million views on her YouTube channel

Discover how JBL and Roblox are revolutionizing virtual worlds with music, gaming, and creativity. JBL Land was developed to put music and sound front and center as matter of self-expression in the virtual world of Roblox. This episode is packed with insights and behind-the-scenes stories as you discover the sonic delights of JBL Land on Roblox.

Listen Here

Looking for more? Subscribe to the Audio Talk podcast on Apple, Spotify, Podimo and Deezer.

About this podcast

This is Audio Talks. A podcast on all things audio presented to you by HARMAN, which includes JBL, Harman Kardon, and AKG. Initially started during the COVID-19 pandemic to bring people together through the power of music, Audio Talks finds itself in Season 9. Hosted by Oisin Lunny, professional music journalist, presenter, and broadcaster, Audio Talks brings together a constantly changing line-up of audio experts, music industry legends, and car audio innovators to explore music and audio from every angle.
​Tune in for Season 9 with brand new episodes being released every other Thursday.​​

All episodes of the eight previous​ seasons of Audio Talks are available on Podigee and all major podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, and Deezer.

Every year, the Atlantic hurricane season casts a long shadow, a time when coastal communities brace for potential devastation. But for the past two decades, FedEx and Direct Relief have been working together to turn preparedness into action. “We’ve formed a powerful partnership that delivers critical aid exactly where and when it’s needed most” said April Britt, Director, FedEx Global Citizenship.

Our story began in 2002, a long-term commitment forged in the shared desire to help communities weather the storms, both literally and figuratively. FedEx, the logistics giant with a global reach, offered the perfect complement to Direct Relief’s mission of delivering essential medical supplies. Together, we’ve been innovators in disaster relief efforts, from the early days of the collaboration to our award-winning innovative medical backpack initiative.

“These backpacks are lifesavers” said Thomas Tighe, CEO, Direct Relief. “Packed with vital medical supplies and designed for first responders, they ensure communities have immediate access to critical care in the chaotic aftermath of a disaster.” The program’s success was recognized in 2012 with the National Partnership Award from the Office of the U.S. Surgeon General, a testament to the impact of our combined efforts.

With the 2024 hurricane season predicted to be an active one, our work is more crucial than ever. As June 1st marked the season’s official start, FedEx and Direct Relief are already on high alert, our logistical expertise and medical resources strategically prepositioned for rapid deployment.

This preparedness extends beyond the hurricane season. September is National Preparedness Month, a timely reminder for everyone to take action and be ready for any unexpected event. By working together, FedEx and Direct Relief are not just delivering vital supplies, we’re delivering hope – the hope of a swift recovery and a brighter tomorrow for communities facing disaster.

***photos courtesy of Direct Relief

Click here to learn about FedEx Cares, our global community engagement program

Originally published on Built From Scratch

This year marks 25 years of Home Depot associates taking care of one another during tough times through The Homer Fund, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides financial assistance to associates facing an unforeseen financial hardship.

“When it came to basic expenses, I had to worry about nothing,” shares Latoya, a 22-year store associate and grant recipient. The Homer Fund helped cover her living expenses and specialized daycare costs when her son was hospitalized at six months old.

As Home Depot celebrates 25 years of The Homer Fund, the company continues to earn recognition for its dedication to associates. This commitment to care and excellence is reflected in Home Depot’s recent ranking on Fortune’s Most Admired Companies and Newsweek’s Most Trusted Brands lists. These accolades highlight the company’s commitment to ensuring associates like Latoya have the support they need during challenging times.

To date, The Homer Fund has awarded $267 million to 185,000 associate families needing support with basic living expenses. Visit THDHomerFund.org to learn more.

Keep up with all the latest Home Depot news! Subscribe to our bi-weekly news update and get the top Built from Scratch stories delivered straight to your inbox.

Originally published on Nielsen Insights

LGBTQ+ consumers welcome brand engagement—provided it’s done in an authentic and inclusive way. Watch our latest webinar and learn how to build brand loyalty with LGBTQ+ audiences.

Watch the webinar

Driving authentic affinity with LGBTQ+ consumers

With continued economic uncertainty and increased expectations for data-driven results, marketing teams are being pressed to prove impact and in many cases choosing to lean into performance marketing as a result. But marketers can’t lose sight of their audience—building brand loyalty can drive increased sales if done authentically.

While some brands are reportedly taking a lighter approach to LGBTQ+ marketing this PRIDE month, Nielsen research shows that LGBTQ+ consumers are open to brand engagement that’s authentic and inclusive. Brands that actively support LGBTQ+ causes and demonstrate inclusivity can build strong loyalty. 

In this webinar, Stacie deArmas, SVP, Diverse Insights & Initiatives, Nielsen, shares the value of brand building and how to earn brand affinity with LGBTQ+ consumers. She is joined by Megan Townsend, Senior Director, Entertainment Research & Analysis, GLAAD, who shares research and resources for brands to better connect with LGBTQ+ audiences.

Learn more about:

The need for brand buildingLGBTQ+ consumers’ expectations for brandsHow to earn brand affinity

68% of LGBTQ+ consumers report encountering irrelevant advertising

Source: Nielsen Trust in Media Study, March 2024

72% of the LGBTQ+ community agree that they will stop purchasing from brands that devalue their community

Source: Nielsen Attitudes on Representation Study, 2023

1/4 of Black LGBTQ+ audiences are comfortable with targeted advertising

Source: Nielsen’s International LGBTQ+ Report, 2022

Build your brand with LGBTQ+ consumers

Reaching audiences is only half the equation—your ads and content have to resonate, too. Register for our webinar and learn how to build brand loyalty with LGBTQ+ audiences.

Watch the webinar

In an era where the impacts of climate change, biodiversity loss, and social inequalities are increasingly evident, affecting the financial viability of companies across the economy. This guide seeks to demystify the process of integrating sustainability into business operations, turning challenges into strategic opportunities.

This guide aims to equip finance teams and sustainability practitioners with the knowledge to turn sustainability into a strategic advantage. By understanding and leveraging the financial and intangible benefits, a business can transform sustainability challenges into opportunities for growth and innovation.

Why this guide matters

As sustainability rises on the corporate agenda, many businesses struggle with translating ambitions into actionable strategies. The perceived high costs of sustainable actions and the diffuse, long-term nature of inaction costs can add to this complexity. This guide from WBCSD aims to provide clarity, offering finance teams and sustainability practitioners practical steps to make a compelling business case for sustainability.

Why this guide matters

Clear steps to building a business case: This guide expands on five actionable steps—scoping the initiative, translating impact, identifying KPIs and data requirements, collecting data, and drafting a business case.Typology of sustainability initiatives: This guide includes 16 themes and 32 opportunities categorized under climate change mitigation and adaptation, nature conservation and restoration, and social justice and equity.Financial and intangible impacts: The guide links opportunities to ten financial drivers and six intangible drivers, providing 32 detailed ‘impact tables’ to support business’ decision-making.Impact tables: These tables outline the specific impacts of each sustainability opportunity, guiding business in preparing a robust business case.

Building the business case for sustainability: Insight report

To download the report and view this article on kpmg.com, please click here.

By Michele Robinson-Pontbriand, Director Corporate Social Responsibility

Picture this — a world where accidents are rare, traffic flows seamlessly, and the stress of daily commutes is a distant memory. Autonomous vehicles (AV) may be able to bring that into reality — a future where human error no longer jeopardizes lives on the road. In this blog post, I’ll delve into the compelling advantages of AV, the challenges they face, and the innovative technology driving us toward safer roadways.

The Safety Imperative

Every year, approximately 1.19 million people worldwide lose their lives due to road collisions1. These tragedies result from a myriad of factors, but one stands out — human error. Road safety requires a systematic approach to reduce traffic fatalities.

What if we could significantly reduce these fatalities? Reports suggest that AV have the potential to slash traffic deaths by up to 90%2. Beyond saving lives, they would also spare billions in costs associated with car accidents. But how do we get there?

Challenges and Solutions

Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) have made strides, automating various aspects of driving. Yet, in most traffic situations, drivers still play a crucial role. The ultimate goal is full autonomy — vehicles that operate without any human intervention.

To achieve this vision, confidence in new ADAS functions is paramount. Rigorous testing helps instill confidence that AV perform as expected in real-world scenarios. To do this, the automotive industry needs to validate the sensors, electronic control units, and artificial intelligence logic used during simulations — and before real word testing. But how do we bridge the gap between simulation and road testing?

Enter Keysight’s Radar Scene Emulator, which provides:

Full Scene Emulation – Instead of static objects, the radar scene emulator can create a realistic traffic scene with multiple moving targets to test the response of the AV radar sensor systems.Short-Distance Testing — Imagine a stoplight scenario where cars are no more than 2 meters apart. The emulator enables precise testing for such close-range objects. Whether it’s a bike veering into the lane or a pedestrian crossing unexpectedly, AV can be tested and trained to react swiftly.Obstacle Differentiation — AV must distinguish between various obstacles for a smooth transition to full automation. The emulator fine-tunes this ability, ensuring safer navigation.

Paving the Way to Autonomy

By integrating real-world environments into testing, Keysight’s Radar Scene Emulator accelerates AV development. It’s a steppingstone toward a future where accidents are rare, and our roads become safer for everyone.

So, buckle up! The journey to fully autonomous vehicles is underway, and the destination is a safer, smarter world.
 

1 Road Traffic Injuries. World Health Organization, December 13, 2023
2 “7 Benefits of Autonomous Cars.” Thales Group. Last updated January 2021